TV quality video of the event is available  


The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month today with a “pinwheel planting” event at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center to raise awareness of the state’s prevention efforts to protect children and keep families united whenever possible. 

“OCFS is committed to continuing to support bold, evidence-based and promising initiatives to prevent child abuse with upstream prevention services and supports that help families and foster healthy environments for children,” said OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden.  “Our event and displays of pinwheels throughout the state serve as a reminder of the importance of child abuse prevention awareness. Pinwheels, the universal symbol for child abuse prevention, represent our ideals for playfulness, joy, and a childhood free from fear and trauma.”

OCFS leaders – including Executive Deputy Commissioner Laura Darman and Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Child Welfare and Community Services Gail Geohagen-Pratt – joined with Tamaé Memole, director of program development at Prevent Child Abuse New York; Donald Stevens, superintendent of the Watervliet City School District; Maria Lisi-Murray, acting executive director of the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs; Senator Jabari Brisport; Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky and other special guests to plant pinwheels in planters at the Empire State Plaza.

OCFS focuses on a theme of “Supporting Child and Family Well-Being” to highlight key prevention tools that can help assist and strengthen families, ultimately preventing child abuse and neglect. Among those tools are family opportunity and family resource centers located throughout New York State, including one in the Watervliet City School District; the OCFS HEARS helpline; and child advocacy centers.

New York State has continued to support Family Opportunity Centers and Family Resource Centers, which are located at nonprofit social services organizations and public schools and aim to improve family well-being by enhancing social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, and parental resilience, and by providing concrete supports such as food assistance, housing support and connections to quality physical and mental health care. The Family Opportunity Centers launched through a collaboration with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Several parents who attended the event discussed how they personally benefitted from services at a family opportunity or resource center.

Another key prevention and family strengthening tool is the OCFS HEARS line (Help, Empower, Advocate, Reassure and Support), which is designed to connect families to community resources offering help with housing, food, health care and more. Anyone can call 1-888-55HEARS (1-888-554-3277) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

In her 2025-2026 Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a $9.2 million increase in funding for the New York State Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) – more than double the previous annual funding. Child Advocacy Centers provide a child-friendly, safe, supportive environment for child victims of abuse/neglect and their non-offending caretakers.

“We take great pride in collaborating with families, programs, and communities to empower families by offering support, alleviating stress, and enhancing protective factors like parental resilience, social connections, and resource accessibility,” stated Deputy Commissioner Geohagen-Pratt. “Everyone can contribute to supporting and fortifying families through straightforward actions, such as acknowledging that parenting can be challenging, promoting self-care habits, demonstrating love and respect to children, assisting them in identifying their emotions, and being a supportive friend to parents.”

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in New York State and directed that multiple state government buildings and landmarks be lit in blue tomorrow night to call attention to child abuse prevention. 

Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families said, "As Chair of the Assembly's Children and Families Committee, I am grateful for the partnership of OCFS and their steadfast leadership in reimagining child welfare to support and uplift families."

Prevent Child Abuse New York Managing Director of Primary Prevention Jess Tanguay and Erika Leveillee, Managing Director of Healthy Families Implementation Program said, "April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time for communities across New York State to come together and take action to support strong families, thriving children, and healthier communities. We are “POWERED BY HOPE, STRENGTHENED BY PREVENTION” and working together to prevent child abuse before it ever happens. We recognize that families can build a brighter future for their children when they have the proper support. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we can work together to prevent child abuse. Join us throughout April and all year long ­— as we raise awareness, drive action, and ensure every child has the chance to grow up safe, supported, and loved. Prevent Child Abuse New York (PCA-NY) is Primary Prevention."

Watervliet City School District Superintendent Donald Stevens said, “Our Family Opportunity Center is a lifeline for many of our parents and families. It supports us in addressing the everyday challenges that can stand in the way of children's success — whether it’s access to medical care, transportation, housing support, or essentials like clothing, food, and supplies. The support we receive through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services allows us to respond quickly and compassionately to the challenges our families face. We know that when families are supported, children can thrive and build a stronger foundation of trust, stability, and care.”

Maria Lisi-Murray, Acting Executive Director of the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs said, “The Justice Center exists to protect the health, safety, and dignity of vulnerable individuals. Our partnership with OCFS is a key part in furthering our mission. Together, we have a shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children who benefit from OCFS programs, ensuring they are safe and protected. Raising awareness around child abuse and neglect leads to increased prevention efforts and a safer New York.” 

About the New York State Office of Children and Family Services: 

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York's public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities. The agency provides a system of family support, juvenile justice, youth development, child care and child welfare services and is responsible for programs and services involving foster care, adoption and adoption assistance, child protective services, preventive services for children and families, and protective programs for vulnerable adults.